countyscore
53.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 76.4Lawn Care 76.3

County Report Card

About Montgomery County, Iowa

Competitive with the National Median

Montgomery County earns a composite score of 53.5, placing it slightly ahead of the national median of 50.0. It remains a viable and livable option on the national stage.

Just Below the State Average

The county's score of 53.5 sits just below the Iowa state average of 55.6. While it performs well, it lags behind the state average primarily due to its fiscal profile.

Housing Affordability and Infrastructure

With a cost score of 65.7 and median home values of $109,900, housing is very accessible. Residents also benefit from high water quality at 86.0 and a respectable school score of 62.5.

Struggles with High Property Taxes

The tax score of 5.2 is very low, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.791%. Modest income levels, with a score of 48.8, further limit the county's overall economic score.

Ideal for First-Time Homebuyers

Montgomery County is a great fit for those looking to enter the housing market at a low price point. It appeals to residents who prioritize infrastructure and education over low tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax5.2Cost65.7Safety54.6Health67.9Schools62.5Income48.8Risk66.3Water86Weather47.9
🏛5.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Cass County
Iowa
42.7
Adams County
Iowa
61.1
Page County
Iowa
52.7
Mills County
Iowa
46.7
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
36.1
Taylor County
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64.2
Fremont County
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58.7
Adair County
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62.5

Deep Dives

Montgomery County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montgomery County

via TaxByCounty

Montgomery County among nation's highest-tax

At 1.791%, Montgomery County posts the highest effective tax rate among all Iowa counties profiled, ranking in roughly the 85th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,968 runs 27% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values ($109,900).

Iowa's steepest effective tax rate here

Montgomery County's 1.791% effective rate is the highest among all counties examined, towering 33% above Iowa's state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $1,968 is nearly equal to the state median despite having the lowest median home value in this comparison group.

Taxed most heavily in the region

Montgomery County's 1.791% rate far exceeds every neighbor profiled—Mills County (1.458%), Monroe County (1.520%), and Muscatine County (1.547%). This steep rate means Montgomery homeowners carry a disproportionate tax burden relative to their home values.

Lowest-value homes, highest effective rate

Montgomery County's median home ($109,900) with its 1.791% rate generates an estimated annual tax bill of $1,968. The county's combination of modest home values and the steepest effective rate creates an unusual—and costly—situation for residents.

Assessment appeals are critical in Montgomery

With the state's highest effective tax rate, Montgomery County homeowners have the most to gain from successful property tax appeals. Verifying your assessment is accurate and challenging overvaluation could deliver substantial relief on your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montgomery County

via CostByCounty

Montgomery County edges toward affordability stress

Montgomery County renters spend 14.8% of income on housing, approaching the national affordability caution zone of 15-20% for housing burden. With median household income of $63,190—significantly below the national average of $74,755—residents here have less financial cushion to absorb future rent increases.

Slightly above Iowa's comfort zone

Montgomery County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% nudges above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the upper tier of affordability concerns statewide. Renters pay $782 monthly—just $30 below the state median—but lower incomes create proportionally heavier housing burdens.

Among the region's more stressed counties

Montgomery County renters spend 14.8% of income on $782 rent, trailing only Monona County (15.2%) and Muscatine County (16.7%) in housing burden across the eight-county region. Mitchell County and Mills County offer substantially better affordability, making them attractive alternatives for budget-conscious renters.

Homeownership offers modest relief

Montgomery County renters dedicate 14.8% of their $63,190 income to $782 monthly rent, while homebuyers pay $737 for properties worth $109,900. Homeownership is notably cheaper than renting here, suggesting that owner-occupancy provides more sustainable housing paths for working families.

Pursue ownership to ease housing costs

Montgomery County presents clear incentives for homeownership over renting: monthly owner costs run $45 cheaper than rent while building equity. If relocating to Iowa, weigh whether mortgage qualification is possible here, as ownership dramatically improves your housing affordability picture.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montgomery County

via IncomeByCounty

Montgomery County income well below US median

Montgomery County's median household income of $63,190 trails the national median of $74,755 by $11,565, a significant 15% gap. This income level reflects economic challenges common to rural agricultural communities.

Among Iowa's lowest-income counties

Montgomery County ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa's 99 counties with a median household income of $63,190, nearly $6,640 below the state average of $69,830. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most of Iowa.

Montgomery ranks as lowest in region

Montgomery County households earn $5,754 less than Mitchell County ($68,704) and $9,328 less than Monroe County ($72,518). The county's income lags virtually all surrounding areas.

Housing costs squeeze limited budgets

A 14.8% rent-to-income ratio means Montgomery County residents spend roughly $148 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—approaching the stress threshold of 30%. Limited income combined with modest housing costs creates financial tightness.

Strategic planning matters most here

With median household income 15% below the national average, Montgomery County families must be especially intentional about financial planning. Prioritize building emergency reserves, accessing free financial counseling, and exploring all available assistance programs to create stability for future wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montgomery County

via CrimeByCounty

Montgomery County Beats National Crime Rates

Montgomery County maintains a safety score of 98.4, with a total crime rate of 1,030.7 per 100,000. This is significantly better than the national average of 2,385.5, where crime is more than twice as common.

Matching the Iowa Safety Profile

The county's crime rate is slightly below the Iowa average of 1,095.3 per 100,000. Violent crime levels are also lower than the state benchmark, coming in at 194.5 versus 216.5.

Regional Comparison with Nearby Counties

Montgomery has a crime profile similar to Mills County, which reports a slightly higher rate of 1,088.7. It is notably safer than Muscatine, where rates climb to 1,342.9.

Primary Safety Concerns for Residents

Most crime in the county is property-related, occurring at a rate of 836.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is less frequent, meaning the vast majority of law enforcement activity involves non-confrontational incidents.

Essential Home Security Measures

Secure your perimeter with high-quality locks and consider a video doorbell to monitor deliveries. These small steps are highly effective at preventing the property crimes most common in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montgomery County

via HealthByCounty

Montgomery County health lags nationally

At 75.5 years, Montgomery County residents live 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 77.7 years. The 17.5% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than the national average, indicating concentrated chronic disease burden affecting a significant share of residents.

Lowest-performing county profiled

Montgomery County's 75.5-year life expectancy is 2.2 years below Iowa's 77.7-year average, and its 17.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest statewide in this group. These metrics point to urgent needs for preventive care, chronic disease management, and health equity interventions.

Health challenges require regional focus

Montgomery County's 75.5-year life expectancy and 17.5% poor/fair health rate represent the weakest outcomes in its peer group, trailing all neighbors including Monona (75.0 years, 16.9% poor/fair). The county's high poor/fair rate signals substantial opportunity for targeted health interventions.

Adequate coverage, mental health strength

Montgomery County's 5.6% uninsured rate aligns closely with Iowa's 5.7% average, ensuring baseline coverage for most residents. The county boasts 109 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this group—though primary care access at 39 providers per 100,000 is moderate, suggesting mental health may be a local strength.

Invest in your health coverage

With 17.5% of residents reporting poor/fair health, Montgomery County's strong mental health provider network (109 per 100,000) is a valuable asset. Ensure you're covered by visiting healthcare.gov or contacting your county health office to access both primary care and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montgomery County

via SchoolsByCounty

Seven Schools Across Three Active Districts

Montgomery County supports 1,588 students through a network of seven public schools. The landscape includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools serving local families.

Graduation Success Beats State Average

The county reports a 93.5% graduation rate, which is higher than both the Iowa state average of 92.3% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending of $7,277 closely follows the state benchmark of $7,591.

Red Oak District Leads Enrollment

The Red Oak Community School District is the largest, enrolling 1,044 students across three schools. The Villisca and Stanton districts provide additional options, serving 279 and 265 students respectively.

Diverse Mix of Town and Rural Locales

With four rural schools and three town schools, the county offers a variety of educational settings. Inman Elementary is the largest school with 496 students, while the county average is a modest 227 students.

Explore Homes Near Montgomery's Schools

Consistently high graduation rates across all three districts make Montgomery County a stable choice for growing families. Find your next home near the Red Oak or Stanton schools to join a high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montgomery County

via RiskByCounty

Montgomery County below national average

Montgomery County's composite risk score of 33.68 ranks as Very Low, placing it well below the U.S. average disaster exposure. Your county faces fewer combined threats than most American communities.

Lower risk than Iowa average

At 33.68, Montgomery County sits below Iowa's state average of 39.68. You rank in the safer tier of Iowa counties for natural disaster risk.

Comparable risk to nearby counties

Montgomery County (33.68) tracks closely with Mitchell County (37.69) but runs higher than Mills County (18.48). Your risk profile reflects southwestern Iowa's exposure to tornado activity.

Tornados dominate local hazards

Tornado risk at 61.61 is Montgomery County's highest threat and runs well above the state average. Wildfire (34.96) and flood (34.57) risks are secondary concerns, while earthquake (16.00) remains minimal.

Storm safety is your top priority

With tornado risk at 61.61, invest in a safe room, basement shelter, or strengthen your home's structural integrity. Ensure your homeowners policy includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage, and maintain an updated emergency plan with your family.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montgomery County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Midwestern Pocket

Montgomery County averages 50.8°F annually, which is several degrees below the national median but warm for its latitude. It receives 37.2 inches of annual precipitation.

High Temperature Rank

This county is one of the warmest in Iowa, exceeding the state average of 48.0°F by 2.8 degrees. It typically experiences less severe winter cold than northern counties.

Matching the Neighbors

The climate here is nearly identical to Mills County but stays significantly warmer than Osceola. It receives more precipitation than western neighbor Monona.

Hot Summers, Moderate Snow

The county endures 26 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Winter brings 27.4 inches of snow and an average temperature of 25.8°F.

Prepare for the Heat

Plan for nearly a full month of extreme summer heat with high-capacity cooling systems. Snow shoveling is a regular but manageable task given the 27.4-inch annual average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montgomery County

via SoilByCounty

Mollisols and Silty Clay Loams

Montgomery County is defined by its silty clay loam texture and the highly fertile Mollisol order. The average pH is 6.26, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. This acidity is common in areas with high historical rainfall and deep prairie roots.

High Silt Content and Clay Balance

The soil contains 56.1% silt and 28.4% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 15.5%. This composition creates a dense soil that is excellent at holding nutrients but can be slow to warm up in the spring. It provides a stable environment for large-scale row cropping.

Exceptional Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity of 0.207 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.195 in/in. While the organic matter of 3.33% is slightly below the state average of 3.81%, it remains very healthy compared to national figures. This soil is a champion at sustaining plants through dry Midwestern summers.

Well Drained Land with Group C Hydrology

Classified as well drained, these soils move water effectively through the top layers despite being in hydrologic group C. Group C suggests a slower infiltration rate deeper down, which can lead to runoff on sloped land. For homeowners, this means good garden drainage but a need for erosion control on hills.

Thriving in the Zone 5b Climate

Montgomery County's Zone 5b climate and high water capacity are perfect for thirsty crops like tomatoes and peppers. Perennial flowers and shrubs also thrive in the stable silty clay loam. Your garden will benefit from this soil's natural ability to store moisture for the long haul.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montgomery County

via LawnByCounty

Montgomery County Lawn Stats

Montgomery County earns a 76.3 lawn difficulty score, landing just a fraction below the Iowa state average. Its Zone 5b classification means your lawn must withstand cold winters while thriving during a productive, warm growing season.

Heat Stress and Rain

High heat is a factor here, with 26 extreme heat days—well above the state average of 16. However, 37.2 inches of annual rain helps offset the temperature, fueling the 3,441 growing degree days required for thick turf.

Montgomery's Well-Drained Soils

Well-drained silty clay loam with a 6.26 pH offers an excellent physical and chemical base for home lawns. The 28.4% clay content helps retain moisture during those hot summer weeks without the lawn becoming waterlogged.

Protecting Grass from Drought

Current data shows 100% of the county is abnormally dry, following a year with 19 weeks of drought. To maintain resilience, mow at a higher setting (3-4 inches) to shade the soil and reduce water loss from the root zone.

Start Your Montgomery Lawn

Heat-tolerant tall fescue is a smart choice for the local summer highs. Get your seeds in the ground after April 24, or aim for a late August start to beat the October 13 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montgomery County's county score?
Montgomery County, Iowa has a composite county score of 53.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Montgomery County rank among counties in Iowa?
Montgomery County ranks #67 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Montgomery County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Montgomery County is $1,968, with an effective tax rate of 1.79%. This earns Montgomery County a tax score of 5.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montgomery County?
The median household income in Montgomery County, Iowa is $63,190 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montgomery County earns an income score of 48.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montgomery County, Iowa a good place to live?
Montgomery County scores 53.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Montgomery County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Montgomery County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.